Vehicle Body Repairer

Vehicle body repairers, also known as panel beaters or body repair technicians, cover all aspects of mending and replacing of accident damaged vehicles including chassis alignment techniques and replacing body panels.

The Work

You could be:

examining the damaged panel or part and deciding whether to repair or replace it

removing, filling in or smoothing out dents and scratches

removing and replacing panels if they are beyond repair

making new panels from sheet metal

using special equipment to straighten out the chassis (frame) of the vehicle if it is bent or damaged

using hand and power tools for welding and soldering the panel back on to the vehicle

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

where you work

the size of the company or organisation you work for

the demand for the job.

Starting salaries may be based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). At present the apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £3.70 an hour (April 2018). Apprentices may earn between £7,000 to £13,000 a year.

A qualified vehicle body repairer may earn around £19,000 a year. You can increase this by overtime and bonuses. More experienced motor professionals may earn up to £35,000 a year.

Conditions

You will work in a body repair workshop where there could be a lot of dust, noise and paint fumes.

You may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions and you will wear protective clothing.

You might have to lift heavy parts by yourself or by using lifting equipment.

You will work around 40 hours a week and sometimes do overtime.

You would normally work Monday to Friday, but may have to do overtime in the evenings and weekends.